That does seem fraught with emotion and weirdness, Brenda. But potential to be very awesome!

I'm glad it sounds like a good relationship now, Brenda. But how weird. It must be especially strange for sis if she knew nothing.

Epic, I just saw your post in Beep Me. All the best infection-fighting~ma for your mom, and lots of caregiver-plus-everything-else-on-your-plate~ma for you. That stuff just is not easy.

Brenda, I don't even know what to say. That is some serious family weirdness. I hope the awkward peels away and reveals awesome.

Thanks, WS. I was honestly more aggravated at how he didn't think it was a big deal than I was about the late dinner.

"Oh crap, lemme get right on that!" is a very different response than "Oh look, I procrastinated long enough that you woke up and can take care of it for me."

Epic, tons of ~ma for your mother and for you as well.

Brenda, what a weird situation for both you and your sister. I hope you are able to get to know each other.

"Oh crap, lemme get right on that!" is a very different response than "Oh look, I procrastinated long enough that you woke up and can take care of it for me."

More like, "I lost track of time, but I assumed you were going to get up an take care of it anyway." Between that and lack of nap at in-laws, I don't want to feel like I'm the only one who can be on top of things with ltc. I think I'm going to type up a schedule for her with specific instructions like when she needs to nap what she eats at what meal and at what time etc, so there is no confusion.

IOmemeN,today is going okay. It's cold and rainy which is making my sinuses wonky, and ltc didn't get her best sleep last night, but she has had breakfast and a morning nap and she's been playing quietly in her new little playpen for a while. So, I've had both breakfast and lunch as well as a couple cuppas. TCG and I made a plan for dinner this week which seems doable, and I was able to reorganize and put away the DVDs last night. So, that is one more project done.

Lots of Ma~ma for your, Epic. I have been hanging at the hospital the last couple days with mine. I think all is being addressed, but being 94 is filled with complications.

Kinda skimmed because of being bedside, but a couple thoughts, Zen.

The body/mind dynamic is very complex. Good quality sleep is essential for wellness and do whatever you need to for that to happen. Also, diet is a biggee. An unknown number of days ago I switched to a schedule of eating every 2 hours. For me about 100 calories each mini meal works well. Today so far I had 7am yogurt, 9am almonds, 11am crab legs, 1pm mixed veggies, and have some fruit waiting for me at 3. (haven't planned the later meals yet). I try and mix it up but just eat what sounds good. Just a little bit each time.

Within 2 days I noticed that I had markedly more energy. Way more energy. It takes a bit of forethought, but I just have little baggies of nuts or cheese sticks or fruit around if I am in a hurry (often). It is like a miracle. And losing weight too.

I'm not saying this works for everyone, but something does, and if what you are doing isn't, then try something else. It may be sleep, or diet, or some other routine part of life that changing changes everything. (right now I think a more comfy chair would change my life, just sayin', hospital furniture not so great)

Weekend was crazy busy, this morning too. But the busy was mostly for good reasons: watching my son play the Lion in the school production of The Wiz. Will post a few pics on FB once I get them. My phone died mid performance.

Epic, just read Beep Me. Sending lots of ~ma your way, for both you and your mother.

Zen, I just posted a fascinating, validating, and kind of depressing article about losing weight on fb. Laura, I wonder if you are eating just enough to dull the hunger signals. I eat every three hours or so, but I eat regular meals in addition to the snacks. Maybe I need to downsize my meals. Interesting thought.

~ma, Epic. Thinking of you.

Going well so far! B was being a bit of a mother hen, but I anticipated that and he's self-aware about it. No P sightings yet.

sj, seems like clarifying expectations can only help. You should absolutely not be the only one paying attention to her needs and schedule.

Oh! And ~ma for you and your family, too, Laura.

Laura, that's very similar to the diet I used last year (...haven't stuck to it very well/at all, so havent' lost any more weight, but haven't really gained it back either--though the slothfulness of broken foot may not help things, nor my recent torrid affair with ice cream). Lowish carb, high protein/fiber, eat every 2-3 hours around 100 calories, plus one meal of protein and veg.